An example of inclusive leadership
Joseph L Hudson Jr was the CEO of Hudson’s Department Store in Detroit, MI during my childhood.
He was a business leader who formed a coalition of business and civic leaders to address the rebuilding of Detroit after the 1967 riots.
Hudson’s Department Stores was an icon, known for it’s Fourth of July fireworks, the Thanksgiving Day parade and the place you dressed up to go to on the weekends.
After graduating from Michigan State University, I started my career as a Human Resources Trainee at Hudson’s. It was a magical time to have the honor of working at such an institution that I had admired my entire life.
Two months after my arrival, I had a chance meeting with Joe Hudson (our famous CEO) on an elevator.
He broke the silence by introducing himself and asking me who I was and when did I join the company.
He welcomed me to the company, expressed that he was happy to meet me and that he looked forward to hearing more about my contributions.
Every time I saw Joe Hudson from the day of our first meeting until his retirement five years later, he acknowledged me by name. Every time.
Joseph L Hudson Jr died on Dec 2, 2020; he was 89 years old.
He was the first CEO that I had ever personally met in my life, and he was genuinely interested in knowing who I was, and he affirmed me every time we saw each other.
That is the example of leadership I was blessed to witness at a young age, and his example had an impact on how I have tried to be as a leader, someone who see’s people for who they are, and affirms them.
Thank you, Mr. Joe Hudson Jr, for your leadership, your caring spirit and your example.
May you rest in peace.
Wow!! What a powerful testament to his leadership and the impact we can have on those around us.
Founder, dtkResources
4 年Michael Hyter, having a hero and role model is invaluable. So glad this was early in your career, as #leadership muscle is built over time. It sounds like Mr. Hudson was a wonderful, compassionate man who understood the value of #humanconnections .
Hospitality
4 年Michael, thank you for sharing. Working at Hudsons was a memorable and great experience. I too shared a similar experience - memorable and impactful.
Executive Coaching
4 年As a fellow Spartan and Michigander, thank you for this beautiful story and tribute to his life. Go Green!
President | Inclusive Business Growth Driver| Chief People and Culture Executive |Visionary and Innovator| Board Member| C-Suite Advisor
4 年Congrats my dear friend Mike!